Coal mining seminar will make a return

Madison County Historical Society hosting event

Whether you’re a historian or a long-time Edwardsville resident, the Madison County Historical Society is hosting its second program on the history behind coal mining that you won’t want to miss.

The event takes place at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Madison County Archival Library.

MCHS member Cindy Reinhardt said the last program, held on Jan. 22, was so successful that the MCHS decided to schedule another one.

“I think some people were just interested in the history, but there were a lot of people that were there because they knew about a coal mine. This one guy played in a coal mine when he was a kid and he told (speaker Bob Gibson) where it was at because there’s still an opening there. Others had coal mines under their property and if something happens with it, what do they need to look for and what do they do next. (The speaker) covered all of that and all of the things that could happened as a result of an abandoned coal mine,” Reinhardt said.

Bob Gibson will be the presenter at this event as well, discussing the problems and effects of using land in the areas of abandoned coal mines.

The program is free but spots are limited.

“Seating is limited and it’s first come, first serve,” she said.

Reinhardt said she hopes attendees leave with a bit more knowledge about the mines in the county.

“It’s educational but also information that they can use. It’s pertinent to your lifestyle here in Madison County,” she said.

For more information about MCHS’s upcoming events, visit madcohistory.org or call 618-656-7569.